Burmese, writers, poets, film stars, musicians, journalists and social workers provided aid and assistance to demonstrating monks on Monday.
Celebrities including the comedian Zarganar, the actor Kyaw Thu, the writer Than Myint Aung, the poet Aung Way and others formed a group to offer alms and basic assistance to protesting monks regularly.
Than Myint Aung, a Burmese writer, told The Irrawaddy on Monday, “We are happy to offer alms and assistance to the peacefully protesting monk because they are the most honorable people from our society, and now they are even more respected because of their willingness to work for the people's liberation.”
The group offered alms to protesting monks at Shwedagon Pagoda on Monday morning, including soft drinks, drinking water and umbrellas.
Meanwhile, Burmese medical professionals including physicians, nurses and health care assistants, formed a committee to provide healthcare and medical assistance to monks who are marching barefooted for long distances each day in weather that varies from stifling heat to drenching rain.
Burmese medical companies, local businesses and private donors provided medicine, first aid equipment, money and other assistance for the monks.
Shwe Zee Gwet, a Burmese social worker based in Rangoon and the spouse of well-known Burmese actor Kyaw Thu, urged people to support the monks who are representing the Burmese people.
She said, "Burmese can not rely on anyone at the moment except our compassionate monks who are working for the people without any expectation for their own interests.
"Regardless of class or position, if people identify themselves as Buddhist or Burmese who love peace, they should support this peaceful protest.”
According to source in Rangoon, Burma’s Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan has asked Burmese journalists, artists and celebrities to sign a pledge not to participate in the demonstrations.
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| Comedian Zarganar, center, and actor Kyaw Thu, right, offering alms to monks at Shwedagon Pagoda on Monday [Photo: The Irrawaddy] |
Than Myint Aung, a Burmese writer, told The Irrawaddy on Monday, “We are happy to offer alms and assistance to the peacefully protesting monk because they are the most honorable people from our society, and now they are even more respected because of their willingness to work for the people's liberation.”
The group offered alms to protesting monks at Shwedagon Pagoda on Monday morning, including soft drinks, drinking water and umbrellas.
Meanwhile, Burmese medical professionals including physicians, nurses and health care assistants, formed a committee to provide healthcare and medical assistance to monks who are marching barefooted for long distances each day in weather that varies from stifling heat to drenching rain.
Burmese medical companies, local businesses and private donors provided medicine, first aid equipment, money and other assistance for the monks.
Shwe Zee Gwet, a Burmese social worker based in Rangoon and the spouse of well-known Burmese actor Kyaw Thu, urged people to support the monks who are representing the Burmese people.
She said, "Burmese can not rely on anyone at the moment except our compassionate monks who are working for the people without any expectation for their own interests.
"Regardless of class or position, if people identify themselves as Buddhist or Burmese who love peace, they should support this peaceful protest.”
According to source in Rangoon, Burma’s Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan has asked Burmese journalists, artists and celebrities to sign a pledge not to participate in the demonstrations.
